Former SPINESHANK Members Launch New Project

Former SPINESHANK members Tommy Decker (drums),Mike Sarkisyan (guitar) and Robert Garcia (bass) have joined forces with vocalist Brandon Espinoza (a.k.a. Brandonio Branderas) in an as-yet-unnamed new project. Decker recently posted the following update on the group's current activities via the official SPINESHANK message board:

"A lot of you have been asking for an update and saying that were not posting anything because we don't care about our fans. Well, the truth is that there was nothing to post, and if you read my last post, I said that I would write again when there was something worth mentioning, and now there finally is.

"We have found a singer. His name is Brandon Espinoza, We've been working together for about a month and have 5 songs done. We couldn't be happier with him. His voice is exactly what we have been looking for — an awesome scream and a great singing voice. The writing process has never been easier and we all have the same vision. It's still heavy and dynamic with melody, but it's a little darker and more raw. Our sound is a little different from what a lot of bands are doing these days and we won't be jumping on any bandwagons to fit in, We're just writing what feels right to us. So far there are no loops or electronics, and no plan to use them any time soon. We obviously didn't rush to find a new singer and truly feel that Brandon is the right guy for us. Our main concern now is to focus on writing more songs and getting to know each other musically.

"When we did the RoadRage tour [in 2003], there was a strong feeling that it would be our last. We ended that tour with probably the best show we ever played — a sold-out London Astoria. The show was incredible but there were huge problems that still had to be dealt with. So we went home to formulate a new plan. We all talked and agreed that SPINESHANK had probably run its course, but agreed to keep the option open in the event that we might find the perfect guy to continue the band. As time went on, we realized that what we were writing didn't sound like SPINESHANK and that nobody even came close to what we wanted as a singer.

"When Brandon came along, everything seemed to click and really take on a new personality beyond just SPINESHANK.

"This band has been one of the most important things in our lives since 1996 and it's just time to let it go. I wouldn't change a thing about the last 9 years and am extremely proud of everything we've done. But it's time for a new beginning.

"As soon as we have a band name I will post it up here, and any news that is WORTH posting I will post as soon as I can.

"I hope this clears things up for you guys. I know some of you were frustrated with us and how long it took, but if we were going to do it we needed it to be right, and it finally feels right."

Check out samples of Brandon's singing at this location.